SPORTS
2021 Aisha Buhari Cup: South Africa Thrashes Ghana 3-0
South Africa’s Bayana Bayana put up a sterling performance in the ongoing 2021 Aisha Buhari Cup at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Lagos, on Friday, to triumph 3-0 over the Black Queens of Ghana.
A first half goal by Magana Hilda in the 18th minute after she tapped in with a header was all it took to prove Bayana Bayana’s superiority over Ghana.
South Africa would continue to dominate proceedings in the game and not allow any surge from the opposition as they proved hot in every department.
Their quick ball movement and fast pace kept the Ghanaians on the back foot throughout the first half of the game.
Bayana’ Bayana kept the momentum and could have scored more goals, but for Ghana’s back four who were made to work extra hard.
In the frontline, Ghana was found wanting as the Bayana Bayana was more organised to allow for any penetration.
The second half began on a high tempo as the Black Queens did all they could to grab an equaliser, but Bayana Bayana’s tactical discipline gave them an edge as they frustrated the efforts.
Ghana’s inspirational star player, Portia Boakye’s efforts to break through the Bayana Bayana’ defence line was also thwarted time and time again.
KGatlana Thembi, upon receiving a pass from her striking partner, Magana Hilda, carefully dribbled past the defence of the Ghanaians, in a solo effort, to slot in Bayana Bayana’s second goal in the 53rd minute.
The South Africans piled on the pressure on their opponents to make them concede a corner kick that was beautifully converted by Holweni Sibulele’s 84th minute header, to put the game beyond the West Africans with a three-goal margin.
Desiree Ellise, the Bayana Bayana Coach, told journalists at the press briefing after the game that she was very happy with the result as it showed the team’s capability to contend with big oppositions.
She said the team managed the game properly and did not allow for any dominance from the Ghanaian team, expressing the hope that the team would build on the victory to continue to do well in subsequent games.
On her part, Bayana Bayana’s captain, Janine Van Wyk, said she was also happy for the opportunity offered by the tournament as it would go a long way to prepare the team for future games.
“It’s a very interesting tournament, the atmosphere is great and we are happy to be here, we don’t get enough opportunities like this, so we are very happy to be here.
“We are aware of Ghana’s quality and that was why we came out very strong in the first half and did not allow for their dominance.
“We managed the game very well and at the end we took the game beyond them,’” she said.
The Ghanaian Coach, Mercy Tagoe, in her reactions, told journalists that she was not embarrassed by the final score line as a preparatory game, and she was okay with the result even though the team lost.
“It’s a loss and it is not the end of the world; as for me it was a preparatory game for bigger competitions.
“We are equally missing some players who could have affected the outcome of the game, but they are also playing elsewhere preparing for bigger competitions.
“So, I have to take the loss today and hope to do the necessary corrections in the future competitions like the African Championships and the FIFA World Cup,” she said.
The competition which began on Sept. 15 saw Nigeria’s Super Falcons edge past Mali 2-0 as Morocco defeated Cameroon by 1-0. (NAN)
The Super Eagles camp in Cairo has grown to 22 players with the arrival of Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) international friendly match against Egypt.
News reports that Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman and defenders Semi Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel reported to camp earlier on Monday at the Renaissance Hotel, joining a steadily increasing squad.
Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, defender Igoh Ogbu and midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi were also among the latest arrivals to bolster the team.
They linked up with early arrivals Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, who had checked in on Sunday.
Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe said that 20 players participated in the team’s first training session held on Monday evening.
“Training went smoothly and the players showed good energy and commitment, which is encouraging at this stage of preparations,” Efoghe said.
Efoghe said that Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika and Alebiosu arrived shortly after training, raising the number of players in camp to 22, with six more expected.
He said as part of preparations, the Super Eagles would play a friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday at the Cairo International Stadium.
“The friendly will help the technical crew assess team shape and readiness ahead of the AFCON challenge,” Efoghe said.
Nigeria, three-time champions, and seven-time winners Egypt will clash at 8 p.m. Egypt time (7 p.m. Nigeria time) in the build-up to the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
Efoghe confirmed that the team will depart Cairo for Féz on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to continue final preparations.
Nigeria’s quest for a fourth continental title, following victories in 1980, 1994 and 2013, begins on Dec. 23 against Tanzania, under the theme “NAIJA 4 THE WIN.”
The Eagles will also face Tunisia on Dec. 27 and Uganda on Dec. 30 in Group C, with all matches scheduled for the Complexe Sportif de Féz.
Egypt, the only nation to win AFCON three consecutive times, will battle South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe in Group B, with matches holding in Agadir.
As anticipation builds for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, set to kick off on December 21 in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football has released a list of items prohibited across all tournament stadiums.
According to the guidelines cited on CAF’s website on Monday, the rules are aimed at ensuring fan safety throughout the competition.
Fans attending AFCON 2025 matches in Morocco will be subjected to security screening.
They are advised not to bring prohibited items into stadiums to ensure safety, order and a smooth match-day experience.
Below is the list of items fans are advised to leave at home before entering AFCON stadiums:
Alcoholic beverages, Illegal substances and drugs, Weapons and sharp objects, Fireworks and pyrotechnics, Glass bottles or containers, Flammable materials, Racist, violent or discriminatory banners, Unauthorised political, religious or commercial signs, Drones and animals, Large umbrellas and oversized hats, Professional cameras and recording equipment, Musical instruments and loud horns, Radio-emitting devices (except mobile phones) and Heavy or large bags.
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has disclosed that the team are still a work in progress following his expensive overhaul of the squad since last season.
The Spanish tactician made this known after the Citizens thrashed Crystal Palace 3-0 in Sunday’s Premier League game.
In a chat with the club’s website, Guardiola stated that the team are in a better position than last season.
“Many things we have to improve.
Madrid gave me a lot of things, that still we are not ready, not in mentality but in how to approach certain games. They are young some of the players. But 3-0 here is a big statement for us.“When you win in the past, you believe the past was perfect, always brilliant, always the red carpet.
When we won with 100 points, all the things we achieved, we had a lot of games like today. The resilience was part of that.“There are moments that you struggle. Madrid was not the perfect game, but it was a step. We fought unbelievably to achieve that.
“We are in a better position than last season. We are close in the competitions we are in.”
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